I'm always happy to see newer managers enjoying the game!!!
At the higher levels, most managers are active. What often happens in the league, is teams stop trying when they learn that they can't finish in the top 4. So my 1st meeting is often a 3-1 type game, then the 2nd one is like 7-0. Super League however, will give teams outside contention for the top 4, incentive to try to promote. Before SL, it hurts team more to finish 5th-7th, than 8th-14th,
I think its important to differentiate between "not watching matches" and "being inactive". Several managers don't watch there matches, but there training bonuses, win bonus, etc... are high, if not on max. Sometimes it's obvious, like when Nik faced that 8* Juve squad that never attended his matches, other times it isn't. There is also, "the tanker" whom looks like an abandoned team, but is really a manager that's losing on purpose to increase there quality and/or stockpile rests. Sometime the tanker (The Dragon at The Bottom of The Table) will come out of hibernation in an attempt to troll those competing for a league title and/or Champions League spot.